President Jonathan urges personal sacrifice at Eid El
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated Muslim faithful in the country on the occasion of Eid el fitri, with a charge to all Nigerians to continue in prayers and make personal sacrifices for the peace, progress and development of the nation.
The President stated this when he hosted Muslim faithful, led by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who paid him the traditional sallah visit at his official residence in State House, Abuja, today.
President Jonathan stressed the need for all Nigerians to pursue peace and put the interest of the nation first, above personal interests, in order to build a formidable country.
“My call to Muslim faithful and to all Nigerians is to use this period to rededicate ourselves to the service of the Almighty Allah and the nation, and pray more for peace and economic development of our land.
“For us to build a Nigeria of our dreams, we must make personal sacrifices as individuals and consider the interest of the nation above personal and parochial interests.
“There is no nation, community or even family unit anywhere that can develop meaningfully without peace. Peace is paramount to the growth of any country and that is why I and other world leaders have used this period to condemn extremism of whatever form.
“We have condemned in very serious terms what Pastor Terry Jones attempted to do in the United States of America , where he wanted to set the world on fire by attempting to burn holy books. Luckily from the information I got this morning he has made a pronouncement refraining from the dastardly act. We thank Almighty Allah for changing his mind.”
President Jonathan congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria for keeping faith with Allah in observing the Ramadan fast, and also for coming to pay homage at the presidential villa. He urged all to continue to pray for the wellbeing of the nation and to exhibit tolerance at all times.
The President said the recent conflict in Bauchi within the period was most unexpected, noting that “this is not the period for violence no matter the level of provocation. Ramadan is a holy period for all of us to be more pious, prayerful and move closer to the Almighty Allah. It's a period of reflection, a period that accords us the grace to forgive one another and keep away from sinful acts”.
Speaking, Vice President Sambo thanked President Jonathan for receiving the Muslim delegation, and prayed for God's blessings upon him and the entire nation.
“We will continue to pray for the success of your noble objective of transforming our nation's economy to enable all Nigerians live comfortably,” he stated.
Also speaking, FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, commended President Jonathan for observing the period of sacrifice and self denial with Muslims.
“Many Nigerians are aware of what you have done. You have shown that you are a leader who identifies with the aspirations and beliefs of all Nigerians irrespective of religious inclinations. You represent Nigeria in all its ramifications, and we will continue to emulate your good qualities. We are sure that with you as our leader, we are going to have unbiased, free and fair elections, devoid of acrimony, dissension, and conflict,” he stated.
Prayers were offered for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria by the Chief Imam of Abuja , Sheikh Musa Mohammed. Dignitaries at the occasion included the Senate President, Senator David Mark, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello-Adoke, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Idi Hong, distinguished senators and House of Representatives members, Muslim clerics and presidential aides.